You might call paprika and chile powder two sides of the same peppery, piquant coin. While both are made with dried, ground peppers, paprika is typically made with a single, relatively milder varietal of pepper, and is usually crafted to emphasize one aspect of that pepper’s flavor—sometimes it’s sweet, sometimes it’s super aromatic, and often, it’s smoked. Chile powder, on the other hand, tends to be made with a wider variety of peppers, which are usually chosen for their heat level. When mixed together, as they often are in dishes like paella, chili, and shakshua, they express the whole of the pepper’s potential. And when carefully balanced into a single spice blend, as they are in Trader Joe’s Smoky & Hot Chile Powder, they create a highly versatile seasoning that brings a smoky, savory kick to dishes of all kinds.

Made with just the right ratio of smoked paprika and chile powder to create just the right ratio of smoke to heat, our Smoky & Hot Chile Powder is super handy for making savory soups, sauces, and stews, and nearly indispensable when creating homemade BBQ rubs and Cajun-style seasonings. It adds a remarkable depth of flavor when sprinkled over scrambled eggs, roasted veggies, or grilled seafood, and can take snack foods like popcorn and potato chips into an entirely new dimension. Here’s a hot (and smoky!) tip: try mixing it with sour cream to make a fun and fiery crema for topping tacos.